The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc (CED) has officially launched its men’s empowerment programme, the Technical Assistance for Men’s Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (TAMEED) Project.

The six-month project is funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the amount of EC$348,713. The project aims to empower men by equipping them with skills, resources, and guidance to achieve sustainable employment and entrepreneurial success.

Addressing the launching ceremony held at the National Insurance Services Conference Room, General Manager of the CED, Ronette Lewis, highlighted that the project is the first such initiative in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that is designed to empower males through entrepreneurship.

“This is more than a project or a programme,” she said. “It is a call to action for our male entrepreneurs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to move; to move in the direction where they start looking at their personal development and their professional development.”

Lewis challenged the males in the programme to take ownership of their businesses as the first step in taking action. She outlined that while the TAMEED project has a three-pronged approach that will provide technical support, mentorship and financial assistance for their development, they need to start thinking about the growth of their businesses beyond the six-month life-line of the project.

“This is your opportunity to make the best of this initiative. The ball is in your court. It is up to you to make this a success,” she urged. “We at the CED will do our part, but you have to come willing and ready to do yours as well. You have to be able to come 100% ready to get as much out of this as you can.”

Lewis also expressed gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for funding the project.

“I recognize not only their input here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but for their humanitarian effort globally as well.”

Representative of the donor agency, Cozy Stewart, said they believe in the principles of industry and service and saluted small businesses for the crucial role they play in their communities. He also urged the participants to complete the programmes.

“Thank you very much and we look forward to partnering with the CED. This is the first of many, many ventures like this, we hope, and we will make sure that that we assist in any way possible.”

The launch of the TAMEED Project also heard brief remarks by Opreth Sutherland of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Three participants also spoke of their entrepreneurial journey and their expectations, outlining how they see the TAMEED Project helping them.